Study on carotid plaque morphology in patients with diabetic mellitus combined with cerebral infarction

Objective To study the carotid plaque morphology in patients with d iabetic mellitus combined with cerebral infarction. Methods The carotid arteries of 156 diabetic patients were examined by color doppler sonography. According t o CT or MRI results patients with diabetic were divided into two groups: one of diabetic mellitus with cerebral infarction (DMCI), the other of diabetic mellitu s not with cerebral infarction( DMNCI). Carotid artery intima-media thickness ( I MT), diameter(D), the incidence of carotid plaque and plaque morphology were m easured, respectively. Results The carotid artery IMT, D, and incidence of carot id plaque in DMCI group were higher than that in DMNCI group(P0.05,P0. 01). T he occurrence rates of unstable atherosclerotic soft plaque, ulcer plaque and mi xing plaque increased in DMCI group(P0.05). Conclusions The carotid atheroscl erotic plaque is the main reason for cerebral infarction; unstable plaque is an independent risk factor for it. Carotid artery sonography can show physical char acteristic of carotid artery. It is very important for patients with diabetic me llitus to prevent or treat their illness of cerebral infarction.